Latest news with #NationalWaterSafetyForum
Pembrokeshire Herald
3 days ago
- Climate
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Drowning danger rises in warm Welsh weather, warn safety experts
18 accidental water deaths already recorded in 2024 AS TEMPERATURES rise and more families flock to rivers, lakes and coastlines, Water Safety Wales is warning of an increased risk of drowning across the country. New figures released this week show that 18 people in Wales have already died in accidental water-related incidents in 2024, with officials warning that the real total could rise once coroners report on 19 additional cases. May 2024, officially recorded as the hottest May on record, also saw a notable increase in drownings compared to the previous year. Experts say the warmer air often masks the deadly danger posed by cold water temperatures. Despite the sunshine, open water in Wales – including rivers, lakes and even the sea – often remains below 16°C year-round. Entering cold water suddenly can trigger cold water shock, a powerful involuntary reaction that causes people to gasp, panic, and lose the ability to swim. Chris Cousens, Chair of Water Safety Wales, said: 'These latest figures on drowning deaths in Wales are deeply concerning. Each statistic represents a life lost and a family devastated. With the summer months approaching, it's crucial for everyone to prioritise water safety.' Data from the National Water Safety Forum's 2024 Water Incident Database (WAID) reveals that the majority of accidental drownings in Wales occurred in May, June, July, and November. Coastal waters were the most common location for fatalities, accounting for 56% of deaths, but rivers, lakes and reservoirs also posed significant risks. Recreational activities accounted for 67% of accidental deaths, including boating, angling, wild swimming and walking near water. Men continue to be disproportionately affected, making up 82% of fatalities, with the most at-risk age groups being 20–29, 50–59, and 70–79. Across the UK, 193 people died in accidental water-related incidents so far in 2024. Of these, 136 were in England, 33 in Scotland, 18 in Wales, and 6 in Northern Ireland. Water Safety Wales is backing the National Water Safety Forum's Respect The Water campaign, which offers clear, practical advice aimed at saving lives. Members of the public are being urged to remember two key responses: If you fall into water: Float to live. Tilt your head back, with ears submerged Move your arms slowly and try to relax Once the cold water shock passes, shout for help If you see someone in trouble: Call, Tell, Throw. Call 999 immediately Tell them to float on their back Throw something that floats, such as a life ring or even a plastic bottle Water Safety Wales will continue promoting the campaign through the summer, with a particular focus around World Drowning Prevention Day on 25 July. For more details and life-saving tips, visit
Yahoo
5 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
New pool will be 'huge benefit' to town
A new swimming pool will be a "huge benefit" to a town that has been without one for over a decade, a meeting was told. North Norfolk District Council's planning committee unanimously backed an £11m improvement plan to Fakenham's leisure centre - put forward by the council itself. Conservative Councillor Angie Fitch-Tillett said after figures showed Norfolk had the second highest number of accidental drownings last year, the pool was needed because it was "vital that people learn how to swim". The new pool will have four, 25-m (82-ft) lanes whilst a 3G all-weather artificial grass pitch will be added to site. Its changing rooms will also be refurbished. The authority's Liberal Democrat leader Tim Adams said construction work could start later this year and the new facilities could open in October 2026. Referring to figures from the National Water Safety Forum, which showed 9 people accidentally drowned in the county last year, Fitch-Tillett said pools were a "necessity for people learning to swim". "Don't forget, we've got more water than anywhere else. Not just the sea, but the Broads and rivers," she added. Some members of the town's brass band had opposed the plan, because it will see the demolition of the space they had used to practice in. But the local Conservative councillor Christopher Cushing said the idea had been "received enthusiastically by the majority of residents in the town". There has been a long-running campaign for a new swimming facility since the closure of Fakenham Academy's pool in 2014. Follow Norfolk news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Cold War plane transported to new home Theatre boss amazed to show off Shakespeare stage Motorsport: 'I was the only female in the room' North Norfolk District Council
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Record
Warning issued as 33 die of drowning in waters across Scotland in past year
The number of people who accidentally drowned hit peak numbers in May last year. The National Water Safety Forum is warning the public of the dangers of cold water shock. A total of 33 people lost their lives in accidental drownings in Scotland last year which has prompted a fresh safety warning about the dangers of water during the summer. The National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) has issued urgent advice following a spike in fatalities, particularly seen in May last year, where 28 people died across the UK - the highest monthly toll of the year. It comes after the recent tragedy of 21-year-old student Marwan Sulaiman Al Balushi, who drowned at the Devil's Pulpit in Finnich Glen, near Croftamie, Stirlingshire, on May 21. Marwan, a data science student at the University of Strathclyde, was visiting the scenic gorge with friends when he encountered difficulties crossing a deeper section of the current. Despite a brave rescue attempt by one of his companions, Marwan could not be saved. His devastated family described him as 'kind, intelligent, and full of life, love, and curiosity.' They said: 'We never imagined that this would be the last time we would hear his voice. "Marwan was kind, intelligent, and brought light into every room he walked into. This loss has shattered our family. I pray no other parent ever has to feel this pain.' The Devil's Pulpit, made famous by its appearance in TV series Outlander, has become a popular but hazardous destination. The steep, slippery terrain and cold water have led to multiple rescue operations in recent years. The figures released by NWSF show that 61% of accidental drownings happen in inland waterways such as rivers, canals, lakes, reservoirs and quarries. Professor Mike Tipton, NWSF chairman and expert at the University of Portsmouth's Extreme Environments Laboratory, warned: 'Each one of these fatalities represents a tragedy and the loss of many years of life. All those involved have my deepest condolences. 'The National Water Safety Forum will continue to work tirelessly to reduce drownings in the UK through data-driven education, interventions, communication, and campaigns.' Prof Tipton highlighted the dangers of cold water shock, even during warmer months, noting that many inland waters remain below 16°C. Sudden immersion can cause involuntary gasping, rapid breathing, and loss of swimming ability, potentially leading to drowning. Males make up 84% of deaths and of the 193 confirmed fatalities in the UK, 136 were in England, 33 in Scotland, 18 in Wales, and six in Northern Ireland. Of these, 28 occurred in May, 25 in August and 21 in July. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. A University of Portsmouth spokeswoman said: "May 2024 was the month with the most accidental water-related fatalities, with 28 lives tragically lost. "Sadly, we know that when air temperatures increase, we often see a rise in accidental drownings. "With more hot weather promised across the UK in the coming weeks, increasing numbers of people will be spending time on or near the water. "The National Water Safety Forum (NWSF) is reminding everyone to enjoy the water safely by being aware of the risks, and by knowing how to help themselves and others in an emergency."
Yahoo
20-04-2025
- Climate
- Yahoo
Mum issues reservoir safety plea after son's death
The mother of a 15-year-old boy who drowned in a reservoir has said the impact on the family has been "indescribable". Maxine Johnson's son Reuben died while swimming with friends in Pontsticill Reservoir in Bannau Brycheiniog in 2006. She has joined calls from Welsh Water warning people about the dangers of unauthorised swimming in reservoirs. The rate of accidental drowning in Wales is almost double that of the UK as a whole, according to the National Water Safety Forum. Reuben was camping with friends and celebrating after finishing his GCSEs when some decided to swim across the reservoir. "The Saturday it was extremely hot weather," recalled Ms Johnson. "They were only wearing shorts, they had no other protective clothing and, unfortunately, cold water shock got to Reuben about three quarters of the way across." Mystery of body in wetsuit found in reservoir puzzles police Anger after beauty spot reservoir drained of water Easter walkers warned after record rise in call-outs Reuben's mother said one his friends "tried his best to help him". "When they finally got to the other side the boys looked back and Reuben has disappeared." It took three days to find Reuben's body, and that memory still lives with his mother. "The impact of it is indescribable," she said. "It's like you've had your heart ripped out. "I want to make sure that other parents, other children, other young people, can listen to the message. "Reuben didn't know, so we want to spread the message for Reuben, think twice where you're going, where you're swimming." People are being warned over the Easter holidays that they are risking their lives by swimming, paddleboarding or even entering reservoirs without proper permission or safety precautions. Some reservoirs contain automatic machinery operating below the surface and have strong currents which can pull under the strongest swimmers. People are also being warned about the freezing temperatures in many reservoirs. Anything below 15C is defined as cold water and can seriously affect people's breathing and movement, so the risk is significant most of the year. Cold water shock causes gasping and uncontrolled breathing as the body tries to keep warm and the muscles in limbs will cool, which reduces strength, coordination and the ability to swim. There are several reservoirs where supervised swimming is allowed, including: Lisvane & Llanishen reservoirs, Cardiff Llyn Brenig reservoir, Denbigh Moors Llandegfedd reservoir, Pontypool "Not all reservoirs are designed to be swam in," warned Daniel Dicomidis, a senior activity instructor at Lisvane & Llanishen reservoirs. "Most reservoirs in the country are stores of water, there's lots of heavy machinery under there creating currents. They're very deep, so how cold they are, relative to how warm the day may be, is very surprising," he said. Swimmers are being warned there is a reduced chance of being rescued in some remote locations in Wales because of little or no mobile reception. On average, nearly 50 people die every year in Wales because of water-related incidents, according to Welsh Water. Chris Cousens, chairman of Water Safety Wales, said: "With the lovely weather we've been seeing, we know how tempting it can be to cool off in beautiful reservoirs. "But even the strongest of swimmers can go into cold water shock and this can lead to drowning." He said, if you do find yourself in difficulty, "relax and float on your back with your ears submerged in the water until the effects of cold water shock pass - you can then swim to safety or shout for help." Ms Johnson said: "For us as family and friends he's missing from so many things, so many events, photographs, memories. "We carry on with our lives but when I see perhaps one of his friends has had a child or they reach a certain milestone, that's particularly difficult. "So it's really important to keep Reuben's memory alive as well through doing what we're doing." The impact has also affected the boys who were with Reuben on that day. "It's impacted them in different ways over the years," she said. "They never, ever thought something like that would happen." Water Safety Wales
BBC News
20-04-2025
- Climate
- BBC News
Water safety plea from mum after son's reservoir death
The mother of a 15-year-old boy who drowned in a reservoir has said the impact on the family has been "indescribable". Maxine Johnson's son Reuben died while swimming with friends in Pontsticill Reservoir in Bannau Brycheiniog in has joined calls from Welsh Water warning people about the dangers of unauthorised swimming in rate of accidental drowning in Wales is almost double that of the UK as a whole, according to the National Water Safety Forum. Reuben was camping with friends and celebrating after finishing his GCSEs when some decided to swim across the reservoir."The Saturday it was extremely hot weather," recalled Ms Johnson."They were only wearing shorts, they had no other protective clothing and, unfortunately, cold water shock got to Reuben about three quarters of the way across." Reuben's mother said one his friends "tried his best to help him". "When they finally got to the other side the boys looked back and Reuben has disappeared."It took three days to find Reuben's body, and that memory still lives with his mother."The impact of it is indescribable," she said. "It's like you've had your heart ripped out."I want to make sure that other parents, other children, other young people, can listen to the message. "Reuben didn't know, so we want to spread the message for Reuben, think twice where you're going, where you're swimming." People are being warned over the Easter holidays that they are risking their lives by swimming, paddleboarding or even entering reservoirs without proper permission or safety reservoirs contain automatic machinery operating below the surface and have strong currents which can pull under the strongest swimmers. Cold water shock People are also being warned about the freezing temperatures in many below 15C is defined as cold water and can seriously affect people's breathing and movement, so the risk is significant most of the water shock causes gasping and uncontrolled breathing as the body tries to keep warm and the muscles in limbs will cool, which reduces strength, coordination and the ability to swim. There are several reservoirs where supervised swimming is allowed, including:Lisvane & Llanishen reservoirs, CardiffLlyn Brenig reservoir, Denbigh MoorsLlandegfedd reservoir, Pontypool"Not all reservoirs are designed to be swam in," warned Daniel Dicomidis, a senior activity instructor at Lisvane & Llanishen reservoirs. "Most reservoirs in the country are stores of water, there's lots of heavy machinery under there creating currents. They're very deep, so how cold they are, relative to how warm the day may be, is very surprising," he are being warned there is a reduced chance of being rescued in some remote locations in Wales because of little or no mobile average, nearly 50 people die every year in Wales because of water-related incidents, according to Welsh Cousens, chairman of Water Safety Wales, said: "With the lovely weather we've been seeing, we know how tempting it can be to cool off in beautiful reservoirs. "But even the strongest of swimmers can go into cold water shock and this can lead to drowning."He said, if you do find yourself in difficulty, "relax and float on your back with your ears submerged in the water until the effects of cold water shock pass - you can then swim to safety or shout for help." Ms Johnson said: "For us as family and friends he's missing from so many things, so many events, photographs, memories. "We carry on with our lives but when I see perhaps one of his friends has had a child or they reach a certain milestone, that's particularly difficult. "So it's really important to keep Reuben's memory alive as well through doing what we're doing."The impact has also affected the boys who were with Reuben on that day."It's impacted them in different ways over the years," she said."They never, ever thought something like that would happen."
